Battle of the Dinosaur Bones: Othniel Charles Marsh vs. Edward Drinker Cope

 Smacked by the hate

Johnson, Rebecca L. Battle of the Dinosaur Bones: Othniel Charles Marsh vs. Edward Drinker Cope. Minneapolis : Twenty-First Century Books, 2013.

Plot: At the beginning of the 1900's, people discovered enormous bones buried in the earth. Instead of labeling them as mere curiosities, scientists realized the fossils belonged to ancient animals. Eventually, two scientists, Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope, began seeking the bones in earnest. However, instead of attempting to enhance palentology as a whole, the two became bitter rivals, stealing specimens and naming rights. Eventually, they began public arguments, fossil vandalism, and national scandals in the quest to overwhelm each other. While the two managed to raise palentology to new levels, their fighting also tainted the science for years to come.

Genre: History, Science

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Fossil Feud: Marsh and Cope's Bone Wars, Fossil Feud: The Rivalry of the First American Dinosaur Hunters

Personal Thoughts: The text offers an impressive view of the complex Marsh and Cope rivalry. While the story does give an accessible retelling of the two's infamous fights, it also hints at a greater truth. Much of the knowledge taken for granted needed to be discovered and the discovery process did not always occur politely, or even neatly. The text offers the acknowledgement of the human aspect in science. While many books describe scientists as altruistic and incapable of flaws, the text reminds readers of the mistakes and failures present in science. However, it does so without negating the positive aspects of science, as well.


Before recommending the title, keep in mind the text focuses on the process of discovering dinosaurs, not dinosaurs themselves. Readers seeking the biological aspect of palentology will be disappointed, so be aware of readers' actual interests.

Little Lions, Bull Baiters & Hunting Hounds

 Sprite the Dragon wishes he had a cool book fort...

Crosby, Jeff and Jackson, Shelly Ann. Little Lions, Bull Baiters & Hunting Hounds. Toronto : Tundra Books, 2008.

Plot: For thousands of years, dogs worked with people to accomplish specific jobs. Eventually, people began breeding dogs with ideal traits for certain tasks. As a result, dogs became separated into breeds focusing on chosen behaviors, appearances, and skills. The traits continue to modern times, separating a single species into hundreds of breeds.

Genre: Animals, History

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Complete Dog Book for Kids, Dog Breeds: An Illustrated Guide

Personal Thoughts: The book describes famous, as well as not-so-famous, breeds of dog such as the Newfoundland, Canaan dog, and poodle through a historical lens. Beautiful paintings illustrate the dogs' original homes and classic jobs. The book also explains why some breeds display complex traits such as stubborn behavior, energetic personalities, and playful tendencies. As a result, the text acts as a primer for selecting a personal pet or working dog.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS: The Boy Who Drew Cats

 BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

Johnson, David. The Boy Who Drew Cats. Westport, CT : Rabbit Ears Books, 1991.

VS.

Levine, Arthur A. The Boy Who Drew Cats: A Japanese Folktale. New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 1994.

Plot: Both stories closely follow the original folktale about a weak, but artistic, boy's obsession with drawing cats. Johnson's rendition, however, focuses more on the personification of the characters. By contrast, Levine tends to make his protagonists blank slates, offering the readers the opportunity for self-insertion. Levine's book also focuses on fewer characters, while Johnson adds a smith for the boy to interact with.

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Analysis: Johnson's retelling offering originally came with an audio tape, and its origins show in the text. The story is wordier, and focuses more on the text than the illustrations, which show little color with sharp outlines. Additionally, the naughtiness of the boy finds ample mention, making the tale more of a fable, perhaps earning parental approval. As a result, the story provides a more modern view of the tale than Levine's mystery-laden story.

Levine's text focuses more on the vagueness and unknown aspects of a typical fairy tale. Conversations and interactions are alluded to, instead of described, making the story more like a classic folk story. Characterization also takes a secondary role in the tale. Most of the text relies on the colorful, eerie pictures to set the tone, which is more sombre and strange than Johnson's tale.

Overall, I prefer Levine's story, since it captures the mystery and approachability of classic folktales. By contrast, while Johnson's text is more modern, it leave less to the imagination. Still, people seeking a direct story may prefer Johnson's rendition.

Lego Ninjago, Masters of Spinjitsu # 4: Tomb of the Fangpyre

Beware the t-shirt ninja dragon!

Farshtey, Greg. Lego Ninjago, Masters of Spinjitsu #4: Tomb of the Fangpyre. New York : Papercutz, 2012.

Plot: At the request of their sensei, the four ninja masters of Spinjitsu seek the legendary Serpent Stones. As expected, they face multiple trials in recovering the relics. The worst danger, however, may come from the truth of the stones themselves.

Genre: Comics, Adventure, Toys

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Lego Ninjago Encyclopedia, Indiana Jones Omnibus

Personal Thoughts: While this is not the first toy-based media I reviewed, it is the first to commit a simple, avoidable fault. It tells instead of shows. Comics have the unique opportunity to show action and story aspects beyond most texts. Unfortunately, this particular item frequently describes events instead of utilizing graphics. In all fairness, though, the story itself utilizes over-the-top creativity and contains an impressive plot twist. Still, a focus on action instead of "he says" moments could result in more effective storytelling.

The Trumpet of the Swan

Crushed by the march of time

White, E. B. The Trumpet of the Swan. New York : Harper & Row, 1970.

Plot: Growing up on a quiet swamp in Canada, Louis the trumpeter swan finds a friend in Sam, a quiet, nature-wise boy. However, Louis fails to find his voice. His father, determined to help his son, steals a trumpet for the cygnet. Louis, while grateful for the horn, realizes he must redeem his father by paying for the instrument. With Sam's help, Louis learns to play the trumpet and earn money as a musician. While the swan remains mute, he uses his wits, patience, and music to earn money, fame, and love.

Genre: Animals

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Charlotte's Web, The Capture

Personal Thoughts: The novel is remarkable. It combines a realistic problem (a bird with a flaw) with a series of fantastic but almost natural responses. Unfortunately, the solid plot cannot overcome the dated references and culture. Much like early Peanuts comics, several aspects of the story, such as chalk slates, swan boats, musician wages, and zoo collection policies are wildly outdated and require lengthy explanation for modern readers. As a result, the text, with its lovely plot, may prove unsuitable to current tweens.

The book won the William Allen White's Children's Book Award in 1973. It also provided a basis for an animated film universally panned for its poor animation and character design.

Kensuke's Kingdom

Sprite refuses to let anyone see him cry

Morpurgo, Michael. Kensuke's Kingdom. New York : Scholastic Press, 2003.

Plot: Following his parents' layoffs from the brick factory, Michael's life dissolves into despair. His father, however, decides to make the family's loss into an opportunity. They will travel for a year by boat to discover the world beyond their English city. The first part of the trip goes well, but, one night, in a moment of carelessness, he finds himself and his dog washed overboard. Much to his surprise, he does not drown. Instead, he finds himself on an island...and at the mercy of its sole inhabitant. The island's hermit, Mr. Kensuke, a survivor of World War II, expresses a reluctance to rejoin humanity, due to the destruction of war. Still, he learns to enjoy Michael's presence, even if he cannot stay with the boy.

Genre: Adventure, Coming of Age, Survival

Reading Level: Grades 4-6

Similar Titles: The Cay,  The Swiss Family Robinson

Personal Thoughts: Most survivor stories have a bittersweet aspect. Kensuke's Kingdom injects the sorrowful tone into every plot point. The family fights depression and arguments, even as they find themselves needing to rely on each other. Michael's desire for rescue conflicts with his loyalty to Kensuke, while Kensuke's longing to find his son and wife clashes with his conviction of their death. As a result, a sad strain seeps through the entire novel. I mentioned previously, discussing somber topics in tween novels can be tricky, since tweens often view grief differently than adults. As such, some tweens may enjoy the adventure but be turned off by the sad aspects, particularly in the ending, when Kensuke can be viewed as more selfish than sympathetic. Recommend with caution.

Harness Horses, Bucking Broncos & Pit Ponies: A History of Horse Breeds

Sprite wants a pony

Crosby, Jeff and Jackson, Shelley Ann. Harness Horses, Bucking Broncos & Pit Ponies: A History of Horse Breeds. Toronto : Tundra Books, 2011.

Plot: The title lists several horse breeds, ranging from the fiery Arabian to the calm Shire. Each chapter classes the horses according to their basic working origins, such as riding or carting. Additionally, each horse enjoys beautiful hand-drawn illustrations. The title provides an attractive overview of the world's most popular and influential horse breeds.

Genre: Animals, History

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Horses in Harness; Little Lions, Bull Baiters & Hunting Hounds

Personal Thoughts: While some of the illustrations and descriptions are idealized, the book uses them to teach readers about the history of horses. Much to Crosby and Jackson's credit, they address some of the concerns about feral horses and horse racing without bias, allowing readers to determine their own opinions regarding the creatures. A highly recommended title for horse fans.

Duck Dynasty

Sprite is watching a DVD

(Let me think I'm clever)

Duck Dynasty presented by A&E.

Plot: The series follows the daily events of the Robertson family. The family runs Duck Commander, an extremely popular and profitable duck-call company. However, they still encounter issues every family does, such as community events, school days, and yard sales. Additionally, they regularly participate in hunting, fishing, off-roading, and other "redneck" activities. Managing all aspects of their lives provides constant challenges and stress, but they still genuinely care for each other and their blessings.

Genre: Documentary, Television

Reading Level: I believe the shows are generally rated TV-Y7. The family avoids swearing, but some hunting and cleaning sequences may trouble sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Dirty Jobs, Billy the Exterminator

Personal Thoughts: While the show seems to follow the traditional, odd-family-making-a-reality-television-series formula, it also brings in some unique features. Family drama does appear in most episodes, but the drama resides mostly in good-natured taunts or contests rather than the more popular winners against losers method, making it a bit more family friendly than some other reality programs.

Additionally, the hunters, while inclined to goofiness, are not the bad guys. For some reason, hunting seems to be an aspect of most villains in fiction, and showing some of the reality of hunting offers viewers a new and, perhaps, needed view of a different lifestyle.